Executive director in the North West Karl Tupling welcomed the green light for the Broughton Bypass.

He said: “This news marks an important step forward for the City Deal.

“The construction of the Broughton Bypass is significant because by improving the capacity of the local road network it means that future phases of development at key City Deal sites, such as Whittingham Hospital, will now take place.

“The opening up of Whittingham will also directly contribute towards the construction costs of the Bypass, and is further evidence of the City Deal partners commitment to creating a strong economic hub for the North West.”